This Mini PC Might be the Best Value YET - X+ Rival

Quick Overview

The X+ Rival Mini PC, featuring an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 CPU, offers performance comparable to the Framework Desktop, but runs significantly hotter and louder, especially in Performance mode, making it a compelling budget option for productivity tasks but less ideal for high-end gaming or users sensitive to noise.

Key Points: The X+ Rival Mini PC utilizes the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip (16C/32T, up to 5.1 GHz base 3.0 GHz) and comes configured with 96GB LPDDR5X RAM at 8533MHz and a 2TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. In native rasterization benchmarks (1080p), the Rival in Performance mode scored 95 FPS average, slightly behind the Framework Desktop's 98 FPS average. In Cyberpunk 2077 with Ray Tracing Ultra Preset (no upscaling), the Rival (Performance mode) achieved 29 FPS average, compared to the Framework Desktop's 30 FPS average, indicating comparable, though low, ray tracing performance. Thermal testing in Cinebench 2024 showed the Rival in Performance mode averaging 84°C, significantly hotter than the Framework Desktop's 78°C average, indicating poorer sustained cooling. The Rival's cooling solution is notably loud in Performance mode, producing a noticeable noise level even when idle, which was described as a significant drawback compared to the quieter Framework Desktop. The base configuration with 96GB RAM is priced at $1,479, while the 128GB version is $1,699, potentially undercutting the Framework Desktop's pricing structure. The unit features modern I/O including USB4 Type-C, 2.5Gbps LAN, and supports Wi-Fi 7, but the RAM is soldered, making future upgrades impossible.

Context: This video is a review and teardown of the X+ Rival Mini Desktop AI Computer, which is marketed as a competitor or 'rival' to the Framework Desktop, leveraging the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor. The review focuses on comparing its performance, thermals, and repairability/upgradability against the Framework offering, particularly noting the implications of the integrated LPDDR5X RAM and the active cooling system.